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Here's a look at Week 4 of the NFL season with a fantasy football twist.
Rehash
Unlike my picks against the spread, which are brutal every week, my fantasy football advice was actually pretty good. Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris were both solid, Andre Brown and Ben Roethlisberger both had monster games.
The guys I didn't like Adrian Peterson was held without a touchdown, Cedric Benson got in the endzone, but averaged less than 3 yards a carry and the Chargers defense was torn up by the Falcons.
Three Up
New England Patriots Wide Receiver Brandon Lloyd - Quarterback Tom Brady found Lloyd 9 times for 108 yards Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. It was all intermediate stuff; the two still haven't connected down the field. I think that changes this week and Lloyd puts up a monster line. He has led the Pats in targets in all three games. Buffalo's pass defense is middle of the pack not spectacular, not terrible. New England's offense is starting to click.
Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Percy Harvin - Harvin has been solid all season, but hasn't reached the end zone. Between his rushing and receiving he's almost automatic to get 90 plus yards every week. This week the former Gator gets to go up against a Lions pass defense allowing over 8 yards per pass. I smell Harvin coming through with a couple big chunk plays this week.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers - It's been one big struggle for last year's fantasy monster. Rodgers gets the perfect medicine this week in the New Orleans Saints defense. Rogers will break 300 yards for the first time since Week 1 and match his passing touchdown total for the season, three.
Three Down
Arizona Cardinals Running Back Ryan Williams - Williams finally got going last week against the Eagles. With Beanie Wells dealing with a toe injury he's a must stash on your roster, but even if he gets 15-20 carries this week don't put him in your line up. I'll talk about this more in depth when writing my preview story for Cards-Dolphins on Thursday, but Miami's run defense is the real deal.
Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton - Newton has struggled so far this season and it will continue this week against the Falcons. There is the possibility Cam gets cheap points in the second half when their down big, but I would stay away if you have another legitimate option. The Falcons defensive line is going to make his Sunday miserable. Atlanta has only allowed two passing touchdowns and is giving up just 206 yards per game.
Washington Redskins Running Back Alfred Morris - Tough match-up this week for a guy I've been riding in most of my leagues. Morris has to go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are the #1 rated run defense in the NFL. Tampa Bay is allowing 2.3 yards per carry and less than 50 yards per game. Stay away if you can.